The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1887-10-19
The PenIfentlarr.


time to spare, we concluded to run
down, and make tour of the estab-
lishment. We were met at the door
by the efficient Superintendent, Col.
Ed. Robertson, whom We have
known for some time, who commit
ted US to the care of Capt. Thos. ].
johnson, the genial officer of the
guards, who conducted MS through
the shops and grounds pertaining
to the penitentiary. We were very
agreeably surprised at the order and
neatness that pervaded the entire
prison. The sleeping arrangements
are unexcelled in similar institutions
and would put to blush many would
be first class hotels. Great care is
exercised in keeping the cells and
bedding clean, vernon being en-
tirely unknown, the prison officials
having as much adherence of it as
the most prudent housewife. We
saw bread, made and baked by con-
vict labor, that could not be ex-
celled in the outside world, and that
would make the eyes of many of
our housewives sparkle with admir-
alton The convicts wore a cheer
full demeanor, looked healthy, and
We're evidently as well contented as
men could be similarity situated.
The cuisine is far above the average
of penitentiaries, the provisions
being selected personally by the
Superintendent, and served by con-
vict cooks in a plain and substantial
manner. The discipline is good,
and exercised with prudence, the
severest punishment being locked
in cells, or. handcuffed to the doors,
bucked and gagged and placed in
dark cell This mode of punish
ment is only resorted to in extreme
cases. This is in happy contrast to
the brutal treatment administered
by Peck, of Logan county, who
used the "shoo fly and tkicking
jenny" as well as bull rings, so
graphically described in the Cincin-
natl Enquirer about year ago, and
which assisted so materially the
Senate in not confirming him, where
upon he had to step down and out.
Since his departure, those instru-
ments of torture have been rele-
gated to the dark recesses of the
cellar, and are now covered with
mould and dirt, and serve as heart
reminders of "man's inhumanity to
man. and to verify the old adage,
fthat man clothed in a little brief
authority, cuts such fantastic figures
before high heaven, as makes Angels
weep" Wehave known Col. Robert
son for some time. He is member
of the ''craft" and has carried the
banner, which alone is sufficient to
make him a royal good fellow.
While we have differed very radio
ally with Gov. Wilson in many APP
po;ntments he has made, yet we
commend his judgment and pru-
dence in the appointment of Col.
Robertson The Superintendent is
ably assisted by Capt Johnson, who
is to him as Lee said of jackson, abe
is my right arm" The Captain, in
the short time we were with him,
impressed us as being a gentleman
of warm impulses, quick to resent
an injury, and as quick to accord
merit to convicts who show the
least disposition to obey the rules.
We conversed with several very
Intelligent prisoners, who all, with
one accord, commended him for his
kindness to them during the term
they were wearing the garb of dis
grace, and said that they would ever
remember him with gratitude. We
consider the convicts of the West
Virginia Penitentiary happily bIest
in having such humane officers. We
are told that the guard force is
composed of good men, who are
courteous to those committed to
their charge The prison consumes
per month, from 81 to 40 barrels of
flour, 1900 lbs. bacon, 1000 lbs. fresh
beet, 4 barrels of picked pork, 5
barrels of Armor's corn beef, 3OOlbs.
coffee, 1900 lbs. corn meal, from 3
to 4 barrels of molasses, barrel of
hominy, barrel of rice and q barrels
of pickles. Potatoes and other veg
etables in proportion, in season.
We have not time nor space to
speak further of the merits and eff
ficient management of this admira-
bly, conducted institution, but hope
TO visit it in the near future, at
which time We will speak in extenso
oft.
We want to say to our neighbor
over the xvav that If he Intends tn